HAYS, KS -- Fort Hays State University's highly anticipated Centennial history book, Lighthouse on the Plains: Fort Hays State University, 1902-2002, by Dr. James Forsythe, is available as a holiday gift in both hardbound and softbound versions from the university's Alumni Association.

Forsythe, university historian, previously wrote The First 75 Years: A History of Fort Hays State University, 1902-1977. He has now added chapters and expanded on previous information for this centennial rendition.

"This one has three brand new chapters," said Forsythe. "And the stuff on Hammond and Tomanek has been expanded."

"It took quite a bit of time to research, but this allowed me to fill in a lot of information I had to leave out of the previous book."

"The Alumni Association is pleased to be involved with an endeavor of this magnitude," said Debra Prideaux, director of Alumni and Governmental Relations at FHSU. "Fort Hays State's history is a tremendous one, and deserves the high-quality readability that Dr. Forsythe has given it."

The hardbound version is suitable for special gift giving or as a collector's item. It features a black linen cloth cover with a brushed gold foil stamping of the Centennial seal on the front and the same brushed gold metallic foil stamp of the title on the spine.

The hardbound version also features FHSU gold headbands and foot bands and gold-colored end leaf sheets.

The less expensive softbound version will also be quite attractive, with a black, linen-textured cover and the same foil stamping that is featured on the hardbound version.

Both versions are 6-inch-by-9-inch, library quality books and are available for $25 for the hardbound edition and $15 softbound. Postage and handling charges are $3 for each book for Alumni Association members and $4 each for non-members. For those who wish to give the book as a present for Christmas or any other occasion, the Alumni Association will provide an attractive card announcing the gift. Then the association will send the books directly to the recipients.

Orders for either version of Lighthouse on the Plains can be placed via the Web, www.fhsu.edu/alumni, or by calling the Alumni Association at 1-888-351-3591.

The FHSU community also is encouraged to observe the Centennial with two other special items.

High-quality flags emblazoned with the university mascot, Victor E. Tiger, are on sale for just $25 each. You can show your Tiger colors by flying these 3-foot-by-5-foot, black and gold flags at your home and business.

To order Tiger flags, just call the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce at (785) 628-8201. The chamber is working with TigerWild, a new student booster club with 90-plus members, to deliver flags in or near Hays. TigerWild also sells the flags at FHSU athletic events.

The Hays Chamber also will soon be distributing free static-cling stickers to its members. The stickers show the Centennial seal and proclaim: "A Lasting Legacy: FHSU and the Hays Community."